Energy giant acquires windfarm project from rival

A French firm has bought the rights to develop a controversial Ross-shire windfarm project.

EDF Energy Renewables has agreed to acquire the Corriemoillie scheme, which is due to be built near Garve.

Highland Council granted permission in April 2011 for windfarm to be built at the Corriemoillie Forest, but the site has never been developed.

The scheme would have 19 turbines, each 410ft tall.

EDF has bought the site from rival energy company E.ON Climate and Renewables.

The new owners say they are now aiming to “build the project as soon as possible” and claim it could generate 45MW, enough to power about 24,000 homes.

Matthieu Hue, director of onshore wind at EDF Energy Renewables, said: “This is an excellent project and we are pleased to be adding it to our growing portfolio.

“We are keen to start construction at the site and will first take the opportunity to meet and talk with local people about our building plans and how we intend to work with and support the wider community throughout the life of the project.”

During the planning process the proposals proved controversial and attracted more than 500 letters of objection.

A number of objectors protested outside the local authority planning committee meeting when it was granted permission, claiming the development would have a detrimental impact on the visual landscape and protected species, as well as tourism.

Highland Council planning officer, David Mudie, said the development’s impact on its surroundings would not be “significantly detrimental” and could be controlled through a number of measures and imposed conditions as part of the planning permission.

Members voted unanimously to grant planning permission.

French-owned EDF Energy Renewables describes itself as one of the UK’s leading renewable energy companies.

It is focussed on the development, construction and operation of onshore and offshore wind farms and already operates schemes generating more than 550MW.